digital music and the music business

VERIZON & CLEAR CHANNEL BRING CONCERTS TO CELL PHONES

(CelebrityAccess MediaWire) Verizon Wireless and Clear Channel Entertainment Properties haved launched the V CAST Encore Channel exclusive to Verizon Wireless V CAST customers, broadcasting concert performances from artists in rock, pop, alternative, country, world and hip-hop. Concert performances will be broadcast in the days following select live shows for one week. Artists and songs available for viewing rotate as new performances take place around the country.

The V CAST Encore Channel is a continuation of Verizon Wireless' focus on delivering music to its customers, which began with ringtones and then evolved to Ringback Tones. The V CAST launch earlier this year offered customers full-length music videos. "Our relationship with Clear Channel Entertainment Properties brings a broad range of popular artists to our wireless multimedia service," said John Stratton, vice president and chief marketing officer for Verizon Wireless. "Clear Channel's unparalleled artist relationships will allow our V CAST customers to see and listen to concert performances from artists they love - regardless of whether their tastes are pop or alternative, country or hip- hop."

...Within days of a recent concert, each participating artist will offer a few of their songs for a limited time on the V CAST Encore Channel in the Entertainment category on Verizon Wireless V CAST-enabled wireless phones. For example, at launch V CAST customers can tune in to watch three songs from Velvet Revolver's May 18 show in Pittsburgh.

For more and a list of upcoming V Cast shows click below.

There are no additional charges to view the concert songs -- the V CAST Encore Channel is included in V CAST's monthly access fee. V CAST customers get unlimited access to a wide array of more than 300 videos that are updated daily from leading content providers, including the V CAST Encore Channel. Verizon Wireless V CAST customers also receive unlimited browsing of Verizon Wireless' Mobile Web 2.0 news and information service. In addition, customers can choose from premium content, available for an additional cost, that includes 3D games, music videos and other premium channels.

V CAST's array of hot, new multimedia programming is located in the Get It Now virtual store. Customers can access video from favorite news, sports and entertainment providers in the getFLIX shopping aisle and check out new, cutting-edge 3D games in the getGAMES aisle. V CAST also gives customers unlimited access to browse and view applications in the other familiar Get It Now shopping aisles, such as getTONES and getGOING.V CAST customers can find the V CAST Encore Channel on the VX8000 phone. V CAST Encore Channel Events: